Vendor Motor Vehicle License (+ special vending district license where required): Philadelphia restaurant guide
Philadelphia L&I — Vending Unit
What it is
The L&I street-vending license needed to sell from a vehicle on Philadelphia streets (one per vehicle). Seven special vending districts (Center City, University City, Temple, 52nd St., Germantown, Morris St.) need an additional district license, several by waitlist or lottery.
When a restaurant needs it
If your food truck will sell from the public street rather than only at private events or on private property.
How to apply
Contact the Vending Unit ((215) 686-2414, vending@phila.gov) about locations, then apply in eCLIPSE with CAL, BIRT, vehicle info, ID and photos; the food license and PDPH approval are prerequisites.
Documents you’ll need
- CAL and BIRT
- Vehicle make, model, plate
- State ID and two 2x2 photos
- Food Establishment Retail Non-Permanent Location License
- Award letter from the Vending Unit (district licenses)
Good to know
Many streets are prohibited for vending — check the City's interactive map before buying a truck. There is a waitlist for Neighborhood and Special Vending licenses and a lottery for Center City.
Official source
L&I — Get a Vendor Motor Vehicle License · L&I — Special vending district licenses
Answer a few questions about your space and get every permit in order, with a timeline, a cost range, walkthroughs, and every application filled in for you to sign with Open.
Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.